Therapy-enhancing glucan

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic composition for treatment of cancer in a mammal is disclosed. The composition comprises an effective amount of a glucan composition which is suitable for oral administration and for absorption through the gastrointestinal tract of the mammal, and at least one antibody for the cancer. A method of treating cancer in a mammal is also disclosed. The method comprises administering a suitable orally administered glucan and at least one antibody for the treatment of cancer to the mammal. In addition a composition for delivery of peptide, protein, RNA, DNA or plasmid comprising effective amount of a beta-glucan is disclosed.

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/334,763, filed Jan. 17, 2006, which is a Continuation-In-Part of International Application No. PCT/US04/23099, Filed Jul. 16, 2004, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/621,027, Filed Jul. 16, 2003, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/218,044, Filed Aug. 31, 2005, which is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/621,027, Filed Jul. 16, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part of International Application No. PCT/US02/01276, Filed Jan. 15, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/261,911, Filed Jan. 16, 2001. The contents of the preceding applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Throughout this application, various references are cited. Disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beta-glucans have been tested for tumor therapy in mice for nearly 40 years (^(1,2)). Several forms of mushroom derived beta-glucans are used clinically to treat cancer in Japan, including PSK (from Coriolus versicolor), Lentinan and Schizophyllan. In randomized trials in Japan, PSK has moderately, but significantly improved survival rates in some cancer trials: after gastrectomy (^(3,4)), colorectal surgery (^(5,6)), and esophagectomy (⁷) to remove primary tumors. Results have been Schizophyllan has improved survival of patients with operable gastric cancer (¹¹) inoperable gastric cancer (^(12,13)), and cervical cancer (¹⁴). Again, though survival differences between groups were statistically significant, these improvements were modest. While beta-glucans are not widely used by Western oncologists, beta-glucan containing botanical medicines such as Reishi and maitake (¹⁵) are widely used by U.S. cancer patients as alternative/complementary cancer therapies. These previous studies that looked for a therapeutic effect of beta-glucan did not incorporate co-administration of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) as part of the protocol. When beta-glucan is administered without co-administration of MoAb, its tumor cytotoxic effect requires the presence of naturally-occurring antitumor antibodies which can be quite variable among patients and even in experimental mice.

In Europe and USA beta-glucans especially from Bakers' yeast have long been employed as feed additives for animals, as dietary supplement for humans (¹⁷), in treatment of wounds (¹⁸), and as an active ingredient in skin cream formulations. The basic structural unit in beta-glucans is the β(1→3)-linked glucosyl units. Depending upon the source and method of isolation, beta-glucans have various degrees of branching and of linkages in the side chains. The frequency and hinge-structure of side chains determines its immunomodulor effect. beta-glucans of fungal and yeast origin are normally insoluble in water, but can be made soluble either by acid hydrolysis or by derivatisation introducing charged groups like -phosphate, -sulphate, -amine, -carboxymethyl and so forth to the molecule (⁹⁻²⁰).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies and their derivatives. In an embodiment, the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In a further embodiment, the antibody is an antibody against cancer.

The cancer is recognized by antibodies, and which includes but not limited to neuroblastoma, melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Epstein-Barr related lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, retinoblastoma, small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, epidermoid carcinoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer colon cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and other gastrointestinal cancers. Antibodies in this respect refers to any part of immunoglobulin molecules having specific cancer cell binding affinity by which they are able to exercise anti-tumor activity. Examples are antigen binding fragments or derivatives of antibodies.

It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the various embodiments of the invention relating to specific methods of treating tumors and cancer disease states may relate within context to the treatment of a wide number of other tumors and/or cancers not specifically mentioned herein. Thus, it should not be construed that embodiments described herein for the specific cancers mentioned do not apply to other cancers.

This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, thereby forming pharmaceutical compositions.

This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject.

This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of beta-glucan capable of enhancing host immunity. In another embodiment, the immunity is against cancer.

This invention also provides a method for introducing substances into cells comprising contacting a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan with said cells.

This invention further provides a method for introducing substances into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above compositions. The substance which could be delivered orally includes but is not limited to peptides, proteins, RNAs, DNAs, chemotherapeutic agents, biologically active agents, and plasmids. Other small molecules and compounds may be used as well.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Barley (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-glucan plus antibody in the treatment of metastatic neuroblastoma in patients. MIBG scan before and after treatment in a patient with metastatic neuroblastoma refractory to multiple regimens of chemotherapy. Patient received intravenous anti-GD2 antibody 3F8 (10 mg/m2/day) for a total of 10 days, plus oral barley beta-glucan over the same time period. FIG. 1A shows baseline MIBG scan of patient. Extensive osseous metastasis can be seen in the femora, fibulae, pelvis, ribs, left scapula, right clavicle, humeri, skull and spine. Heart, liver, stomach and colon uptakes are physiologic. FIG. 1B shows MIBG scan of same patient 2 months later, following a single cycle of therapy with 3F8 plus glucan. Areas of metastases have significantly improved.

FIG. 2. Barley (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-glucan plus antibody in treatment of subcutaneous human lymphoma xenografted in SCID mice. SCID mice with established subcutaneous Daudi (n=9) (FIG. 2A), Hs445 (n=5) (FIG. 2B), EBV-derived LCL (n=9) (FIG. 2C) and RPMI 6666 (n=10; data not shown) xenografts were treated either with 200 ug intravenous rituximab twice weekly for 8 doses (▪), 400 ug (1→3),(1→4)-D-β-glucan administered orally via intragastric gavage daily for 29 days (Δ) or a combination of rituximab and (1→3),(1→4)-D-β-glucan (x), or left untreated). (♦). Percentage tumor growth is plotted on y-axis and days after treatment was commenced on x-axis. Error bars represent SEM and have been shown only for rituximab alone and combination groups. For all xenografts, only combination treatment was associated with reduction in tumor growth. The reduction in tumor growth per day in the group receiving beta-glucan in addition to rituximab compared to rituximab alone was 2.0% (95% CI 1.3-2.7%; p<0.0005) for Daudi, 0.8% for EBV-derived LCL (95% CI 0.4-1.2%; p<=001), 2.2% for Hs445 (95% C.I. 1.2%-3.2%; p=0.0009), and 1.8% for RPMI6666 (95% CI 1.0-2.7%; p<0.0002) xenografts.

FIG. 3. Barley (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-glucan plus antibody in treatment of disseminated human lymphoma xenografted in SCID mice. 5×10⁶ Daudi (FIG. 3A) or Hs445 (FIG. 3B) cells in 100 μl normal saline were injected intravenously (IV) into SCID mice. Mice were treated either with 200 ug intravenous rituximab twice weekly for 8 doses (coarse broken line - - -), 400 ug (1→3) ,(1→4)-D-β-glucan administered orally via intragastric gavage daily for 29 days (fine broken line or a combination of rituximab and (1→3),(1→4)-D-β-glucan (thin solid line), or left untreated (thick solid line) commencing 10 days after tumor implantation. Tumors grew systemically and mice became paralyzed when tumor cells infiltrated the spinal canal, resulting in hind-leg paralysis. Mice were sacrificed at onset of paralysis or when animals lost 10% of their body weight. Kaplan-Maier survival curves for the various groups are shown in FIGS. 2A (Daudi) and 2B (Hs445). Mice treated with a combination of (1→3), (1→4)-D-β-glucan and rituximab had a significantly increased survival when compared to all other treatment groups (p<0.0005 for Daudi and p=0.001 for Hs445) or when compared to rituximab alone (p<0.0005 for Daudi and p=0.01 for Hs445). Median survival for mice with no treatment, rituximab alone, BG, and rituximab+BG groups was 27,71,43 and 124 days respectively for Daudi xenografts, and 12, 16, 31 and 243 days respectively for Hs445 xenografts.

FIG. 4. Dose response of 3G6 (anti-GD2 IgM antibody) in the presence of barley β-glucan in the treatment of human neuroblastoma. Two million LAN1 neuroblastoma cells were xenografted subcutaneously in athymic Balb/c mice. Treatment started in groups of 5 mice each, 2 weeks after tumor implantation when visible tumors reached 0.7-0.8 cm diameter. 3G6 group (solid squares) was treated with 200 ug of intravenous 3G6 injected through the retroorbital plexus twice weekly (M and Th). 3G6+BG group was treated with 200 ug i.v. 3G6 twice weekly plus oral beta-glucan (BG) 400 ug daily by gavage for a total of 14-18 days. 3G6 was administered in 3 different doses (open triangle 8 ug per dose, open square 40 ug, open circle 200 ug). BG group (solid circles) received 400 ug oral beta-glucan alone. Tumor size was measured from the first day of treatment, and the product of the largest diameters expressed as percent of the size on day 0 of treatment. Vertical bars represent standard errors, depicted in only 4 groups for clarity. While BG alone and 3G6 alone showed no anti-tumor effect, the BG+200 ug 3G6 group showed highly significant tumor shrinkage and suppression which was 3G6 dose-dependent (p<0.05).

FIG. 5. Treatment of human neuroblastoma using 3G6 (anti-GD2 IgM antibody) in the presence of yeast (1→3),(1→6)-β-D-glucan. Two million LAN1 neuroblastoma cells were xenografted subcutaneously in athymic Balb/c mice. Treatment started in groups of 5 mice each, 2 weeks after tumor implantation when visible tumors reached 0.7-0.8 cm diameter. 3G6 group (solid squares) was treated with 200 ug of intravenous 3G6 injected through the retroorbital plexus twice weekly (M and Th) for a total of 5 doses. Particulate yeast glucan group (solid triangles) received 400 ug oral particulate yeast glucan alone. 3G6+whole yeast particles (open diamond) was treated with 200 ug iv 3G6 twice weekly plus yeast particles 400 ug daily by gavage for a total of 14-18 days. 3G6+soluble yeast glucan group was treated with 200 ug iv 3G6 twice weekly plus soluble yeast glucan 400 ug daily by gavage for a total of 14-18 days. 3G6+particulate yeast glucan group was treated with 200 ug i.v. 3G6 twice weekly plus particulate yeast glucan 400 ug daily by gavage for a total of 14-18 days. Tumor size was measured from the first day of treatment, and the product of the largest diameters expressed as percent of the size on day 0 of treatment. Vertical bars represent standard errors, depicted in only 4 groups for clarity. While glucan alone and 3G6 alone showed no anti-tumor effect, soluble and particulate yeast glucan when combined with 3G6 group showed highly significant tumor shrinkage and suppression (p<0.05).

FIG. 6. Treatment of human neuroblastoma using 3F8 (anti-GD2 IgG antibody) in the presence of barley and yeast β-glucan. Two million LAN1 neuroblastoma cells were xenografted subcutaneously in athymic Balb/c mice. Treatment started in groups of 5 mice each, 2 weeks after tumor implantation when visible tumors reached 0.7-0.8 cm diameter. 3F8 group (solid diamonds) was treated with 200 ug of intravenous 3F8 injected through the retroorbital plexus twice weekly (M and Th) for a total of 5 doses. Barley glucan group (solid squares) received 400 ug barely glucan alone. 3F8+barley glucan group (open diamond) was treated with 200 ug i.v. 3F8 twice weekly plus barely glucan 400 ug daily by gavage for a total of 14-18 days. 3F8+soluble yeast glucan group (open squares) was treated with 200 ug iv 3F8 twice weekly plus soluble yeast glucan 400 ug daily by gavage for a total of 14-18 days. Tumor size was measured from the first day of treatment, and the product of the largest diameters expressed as percent of the size on day 0 of treatment. Vertical bars represent standard errors. While glucan alone and 3F8 alone showed no anti-tumor effect, barley and soluble yeast glucan when combined with 3F8 group showed highly significant tumor shrinkage and suppression (p<0.05).

FIG. 7. Treatment of disseminating human lymphoma in SCID mice using Rituxan and barley or yeast β-glucan. 5×10e6 Daudi cells in 100 μl normal saline were injected intravenously (IV) into SCID mice. Tumors grew systemically and mice became paralyzed when tumor cells infiltrated the spinal canal, resulting in hind-leg paralysis. Mice were sacrificed at onset of paralysis or when animals lost 10% of their body weight. Therapy was initiated ten days after injection of tumor cells. 40 μg rituximab (Genentech, San Francisco, Calif.) was injected intravenously twice weekly for a total of eight injections and 400 μg glucan administered orally via intragastric gavage daily for 29 days. Mice were weighed weekly and observed clinically at least once daily. Mice receiving rituxan plus barley glucan or rituxan plus yeast soluble glucan have a highly significant prolonged survival (p<0.05).

FIG. 8. Illustrates the pEGP-C1 vector purchased from BD Biosciences (Palo Alto, Calif.).

FIG. 9. Shows glucan facilitates gene transfer into monocytes.

FIG. 10. Illustrates higher molecular weight β-glucan and gene transfer.

FIG. 11. Illustrates presence of GFP mRNA in circulating monocytes.

FIG. 12. Shows a ¹H NMR spectrum (cut-out from 2.7 to 5.5 ppm) of a typical SBG (Soluble Beta Glucan) (Biotec Pharamacon ASA, Tromsø, NORWAY) sample dissolved in DMSO-d₆ at a concentration of approximately 20 mg/ml and with a few drops of TFA-d added. The spectrum was collected over 2 hours on a JEOL ECX 400 NMR spectrometer at 80° C. Chemical shifts were referenced to the residual proton resonance from the DMSO-d₆ at 2.5 ppm, and the spectrum was baseline corrected.

FIG. 13. Shows a viscosity profile of a 2% solution of SBG at 20 or 30° C. at different shear rates. Glycerol (87%) is used as reference solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following terms shall be used to describe the present invention. In the absence of a specific definition set forth herein, the terms used to describe the present invention shall be given their common meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the present invention the meaning of the expression “higher order conformation” defines the formation of a molecule by transformation of a collection of free atoms, which find themselves in a random spatial configuration, into a more stable non-random pattern of those same atoms. In other words these atoms have connected themselves to each other, resulting in a new molecule, a new totality. The connection in this case is chemical, i.e. by means of chemical bonds like hydrogen bonds. Several of such molecules can in turn react with each other, resulting in other molecules, either of the same size, or possibly of a larger size. Both are new totalities again. The larger molecules are higher-order totalities.

In the present invention the expression “immunostimulating” describes the effect of substances which stimulate the immune system by inducing activation or increasing activity of any of its components.

In the present invention the expression “immunopotentiating” describes the effect of substances which enhance or increase the effect of other substances used to stimulate the immune system.

The ability of beta-glucans to have immunopotentiating activity is likely the result of its ability to present multiple epitopes for interaction with receptors on the target cells, thereby clustering beta-glucan receptors, mimicking the challenge by a pathogenic organism. Such multiple interactions with the specific receptors on the cell are believed to depend partly on glucan's ability to form “higher order” structures presenting multiple binding epitopes in close vicinity. Soluble beta-glucan formulations which possess durable interchain associations, as expressed by a high viscosity profile, would thus be likely candidates for expressing “immunpotentiating” abilities.

The term “cancer” is used throughout the specification to refer to the pathological process that results in the formation and growth of a cancerous or malignant neoplasm.

The term “effective amount” is used throughout the specification to describe that amount of the compound according to the present invention which is administered to an animal, especially a human, suffering from cancer, to suppress or eradicate the growth or spread of the cancer.

The term “animal” is used throughout the specification to describe an animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a human, to whom treatment or method according to the present invention is provided. For treatment of those conditions or disease states which are specific for a specific animal such as a human patient, the term patient refers to that specific animal, and then the animal is specifically defined in the description of this invention.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, additive or excipient” means a chemical composition with which an appropriate glucan or derivative may be combined and which, following the combination, can be used to administer the appropriate glucan to treat animals, preferable mammals and most preferably humans.

Yeast-Derived Soluble Glucan Administered by Oral Route Enhances the Efficacy of Antibodies

Soluble glucan with the molecular structure where (1→3)-β-D-glucan units form the backbone with branches made up of (1→3)-β-D-glucan units positioned at (1→6)-β-D-glucan hinges was isolated from Baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mixed molecular weight fractions were obtained and tested for synergy with monoclonal antibodies in tumor models. The anti-tumor effect of soluble yeast beta-glucan was found to be as good as the anti-tumor effect of soluble barley beta-glucan, when combined with monoclonal antibodies specific for human cancer as detailed below

Previously, i.e., in U.S. Ser. No. 60/261,911, it was shown that oral administrated beta-1,3 and 1,4-glucans with high molecular weight and high viscosity profile isolated from barley is effective in enhancing the efficacy of i.v. administered antibodies in eradication or suppression of cancer or tumor cells, whereas the tested types of beta-1,3/1,6-linked glucans are less potent. The present invention now demonstrates that a composition of soluble beta-glucans with beta-1,3-linkages having specific types of side chains and higher order conformation giving a high viscosity profile than those used previously, surprisingly are equally active as barley derived beta-glucans.

The antibody used can be a single monoclonal antibody or a combination of antibodies. The antibodies may be directed to at least one epitope or multiple epitopes of an antigen or multiple antigens. Accordingly, this invention encompasses at least one antibody.

It is generally accepted that beta-glucans of microbial origin, like yeasts, is recognised by specific pattern recognition receptors on immune cells as a result from a phylogenetic adaptation for detecting possible pathogens. Beta-glucans in e.g. fungal cell walls are the major structural element that secure the strength and integrity of the cell and are thus vital for the organism. Beta-1,3-glucans are thus both present in almost all fungal cells at the same time as they are highly conserved structures, the latter being a prerequisite for so-called Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) recognised by the immune system. Immunologically active beta-glucans are likely to bind to the beta-glucan receptor known as Dectin-1 when introduced to the organism through the gastrointestinal tract.

Purified beta-1,3-glucans having the structural elements and conformations mimicking its fungal origin as being recognised by the immune cells would thus be considered to be favourable with respect to achieving an immune activation, especially when administered orally. Beta-1,3-glucans where these features have not been selected on would subsequently be less active as also shown previously. It is likely that beta-1,3 and 1,4 glucans although not derived from a microbial organism would interact with the immune cells based on its similarity to conserved structures on pathogenic organisms. As an illustrative example of a product asserting a pathogenic effect is particulate and soluble yeast cell wall glucans as described in PCT/IB95/00265 and EP 0759089. Other beta-1,3-glucan compositions having the ability to form interchain associations, as exemplified in having a high viscosity profile as described for the preferable barley beta-1,3-1,4-glucan preparations, would also be relevant candidates. Specific preparations of e.g. lentinan, scleroglucan and schizophyllan showing durable interchain interactions are likely to be effective. Likewise would beta-1,3-glucan formulations solublised by deriatization, like glucan phosphates, glucan sulphates, carboxymethyl-glucans, and retaining the immunopotentialting activity of the native molecule and interchain association be possible active products.

Beta-glucan formulations not presenting a pathogen like feature, could however be a potent adjuvant for immunotherapy when administered directly into systemic distribution, like when given i.v. as described in Herlyn, D., Kaneko, Y., Powe, J., Aoki, T., & Koprowski, H. (1985) Monoclonal antibody-dependent murine macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity against human tumors is stimulated by lentinan. Jpn. J. Cancer Res., 76, 37-42, or when given i.p. as described in U.S. Ser. No. 60/261,911.

In the present application it is disclosed a composition for achieving a synergistic therapeutic effect in an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human in need thereof, comprising a viscous and immunopotentiating beta-glucan composition comprising a beta-1,3-linked backbone as described in the general formula in Figure A and an antitumor antibody administrated to an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human where the synergistic therapeutic effect is the eradication or suppression of cancer or tumor cells. The ability of beta-glucans to have immunopotentiating activity is likely the result of its ability to present multiple epitopes for interaction with receptors on the target cells, thereby clustering beta-glucan receptors, mimicking the challenge by a pathogenic organism. Such multiple interactions with the specific receptors on the cell are believed to depend partly on glucan's ability to form “higher order” structures presenting multiple binding epitopes in close vicinity. Soluble beta-glucan formulations which possess durable interchain associations, as expressed by a high viscosity profile, would thus be likely candidates for expressing “immunpotentiating” abilities.

Figure A.

R═H or (C₆H₈₋₁₀O₅)₁₋₅₀; n=35-2000;

A composition comprising beta-glucans where the beta-1,3-linked main chain has a molecular weight (MW)>6000 Da, and has side chains attached thereto giving a soluble product with strong interchain associations, is preferable. Beta-1,3-glucans with beta-1,3-linked side chains anchored to the main chain through a single beta-1,6-linkage that can be isolated from yeast species like Bakers yeast, as the example shown in Figure B would be preferred. In contrast, beta-1,3-glucans from yeast having repetitive beta-1,6-linkages in the side chains as described by Onderdonk et al (Infection and Immunity, 1992, 60:1642-47) called Poly-beta1-6-glucotriosyl-beta1-3-glucopyranose glucan (PGG or Betafectin) would be less active in this respect in light of the papers of Bohn and Bemiller (See Bohn, J. A. & BeMiller, J. N. (1995) (1-3)-b-D-glucans as biological response modifiers: a review of structure-function relationships. Carbohydrate Polymers, 28, 3-14.) and Engstad (See Engstad, R. E. & Robertsen, B. (1995) Effect of structurally different beta-glucans on immune responses in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Journal of Marine Biotechnology, 3, 203-207). Similarly, beta-1,3-glucan preparations forming isolated triple helical conformations with weak interhelical associations lack the ability to form higher order conformations, and may be less active since they are unable to present a pathogen like expression (see Zimmerman et al. (1988) A novel-carbohydrate-glycosphingolipid interaction between a beta-(1-3)-glucan immunomodulator, PGG-glucan, and lactosylceramide of human leukocytes. J Biol Chem 273:22014-22020).

Figure B

n≧0; R═H or (C₆H₈₋₁₀O₅)_(m); m (R1+R2)=35 to 2000

An example of a highly active composition of beta-glucans in combination with antitumor antibodies is a mixture of soluble beta-glucan chains with MW>6000 wherein the chains interact giving a higher order conformation that would facilitate the immunostimulatory activity needed when administered orally for inducing a synergistic effect with the antibodies, wherein said mixture of soluble beta-glucans comprise linear beta-1,3-glucan chains with a MW>6000 Da, or preferably, with MW ranging from 6000-15,000 Da, together with branched high molecular weight beta-1,3-glucan (MW>15,000 Da) with beta-1,3 linked side chain(s) as described in Figure B wherein the branches extend from within the main chain. An example of the glucan as described above is SBG (Soluble Beta Glucan) produced by Biotec Pharamacon ASA (Tromsø, NORWAY). SBG isolated from Bakers yeast and described by the NMR-spectra in FIG. 12 was shown to be as least as efficient than beta-1,3 and 1,4-linked glucan derived from barley having the desired high viscosity profile. FIG. 12 shows a complex beta-glucan composition with high molecular weight chains having beta-1,3-linked side chains attached to the repeating beta-1,3-linked main chain through a beta-1,6-linked branching point, and medium molecular weight linear beta-1,3-glucan chains in the range of 6-15 kDa. SBG presents durable interchain association as demonstrated by its high viscosity profile and gelling behavior (see FIG. 13). SBG has been shown to be a potent immunostimulating agent for activating human leukocytes in vitro (see Engstad, C. S., Engstad, R. E., Olsen, J. O., & Osterud, B. (2002) The effect of soluble beta-1,3-glucan and lipopolysaccharide on cytokine production and coagulation activation in whole blood. Int. Immunopharmacol., 2, 1585-1597.), and also for modulating immune functions when given p.o. (see Breivik, T., Opstad, P. K., Engstad, R., Gundersen, G., Gjermo, P., & Preus, H. (2005) Soluble beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from yeast inhibits experimental periodontal disease in Wistar rats. J. Clinical Periodontology, 32, 347-3.).

Other structures and/or structural conformations in the composition of beta-1,3-glucans as described above can be readily identified or isolated by a person of ordinary skill in the art following the teaching of this invention, and is expected to have similar therapeutic effect when administered through different routes other than p.o. The above is thus a guideline to achieve a highly potent product, but is not a limitation towards even more potent products. Isolated structural elements of the complex mixture as described above are expected to have improved effects over the present formulation when administered orally.

Products having the desired structural features giving a higher order conformation like SBG that facilitates the needed interaction with responding cells in the intestinal tract would be the preferred products when administered orally. Their action as immunopotentiators in synergy with anti-cancer antibodies is likely to be at least as powerful when administered parenterally, e.g. when administered i.p., s.c., i.m. or i.v. When administered orally the functional dose range would be in the area of 1-500 mg/kg b.w. (body weight)/day, more preferable 10-200 mg/kg b.w./day, and most preferable 20-mg/kg/day. When administered parenterally the functional dose range would be 0.1-10 mg/kg b.w./day.

Typically, dosages of the compound of the invention which may be administered to an animal, preferably a human, will vary depending upon any number of factors, including but not limited to, the type of animal and type of cancer and disease state being treated, the age of the animal, the route of administration and the relative therapeutic index.

The route(s) of administration will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan and will depend upon any number of factors including the type and severity of the disease being treated, the type and age of the veterinary or human patient being treated, and the like.

Formulations suitable for oral administration of the beta-glucan include, but are not limited to, an aqueous or oily suspension, an aqueous or oily solution, or an emulsion. Such formulations can be administered by any means including, but not limited to, soft gelatin capsules.

Liquid formulations of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention which are suitable for oral administration may be prepared, packaged, and sold either in liquid form or in the form of a dry product intended for reconstitution with water or another suitable vehicle prior to use.

In general, the beta-glucan can be administered to an animal as frequently as several times daily, or it may be administered less frequently, such as once a day. The antibody treatment will for instance depend upon the type of antibody, the type cancer, the severity of the cancer, and the condition of each patient. The beta-glucan treatment is closely interrelated with the antibody treatment regimen, and could be ahead of, concurrent with, and after the antibody administration. The frequency of the beta-glucan and antibody dose will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan and will depend upon any number of factors, such as, but not limited to, the type and severity of the disease being treated, the type and age of the humans. The treatment with the substance of the present invention could happen at the same time or at different times. As an example, the beta-glucan treatment could also start a few days ahead of the i.v. antibody treatment, and then the beta-glucan is administered concurrently with the antibody. In an embodiment, beta-glucan treatment continues for a few days after ending the antibody treatment. The antibody treatment could include a cocktail of antibodies or antibody-formulations, and/or modified antibodies and/or derivatives thereof.

When administered orally, glucan is taken up by macrophages and monocytes which carry these carbohydrates to the marrow and reticuloendothelial system from where they are released, in an appropriately processed form, onto myeloid cells including neutrophils, and onto lymphoid cells including natural killer (NK) cells. This processed glucan binds to CR3 on these neutrophils and NK cells, activating them in tumor cytotoxicity in the presence of tumor-specific antibodies.

Since macrophage and monocytes ingest glucan (whether soluble, gel or particle) from the gut, glucan is a potential conduit for gene therapy. Unlike proteins, DNA or plasmids are relatively heat-stable, and can be easily incorporated into warm soluble barley glucan which gels when cooled to room or body temperature.

It has been shown that when mice are fed these DNA-glucan complexes, reporter genes can be detected in peripheral blood monocytes and macrophages within days. More importantly these reporter genes are expressed in these cells, a few days after ingestion of these DNA complexes.

This invention provides a conduit for delivering DNA or plasmids into the human body. In an embodiment, the conduit is glucan or similar carbohydrates capable of interacting with and protecting the DNA or plasmids for efficient uptake of the said DNA or plasmids into the relevant immune cells. Soluble or orally administered glucan can be used as a convenient vehicle for correcting genetic defects of the relevant immune cells, or for administering genetic vaccines.

As it can easily be appreciated by an ordinary skilled artisan, other carbohydrates capable of functioning like glucan could be identified and used in a similar fashion. One easy screening for such carbohydrates can be established using glucan as the positive control.

The glucan includes but is not limited to β(1-3) and β(1-4) mixed linkage-glucan. In an embodiment, the glucan has a high molecular weight. In another embodiment, the glucan has β(1-3) and β(1-6) linkages and are able to form complex conformations interacting with the substance to be delivered.

This invention also provides a method for introducing substance into cells comprising contacting glucans comprising the substance to be delivered with said cells. One can use reporter genes or other markers to assess the efficiency of the said introduction. Reporter genes or markers are well known in the molecular biology field. In addition, this invention provides a method for introducing substance into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a glucan comprising the substance to be delivered.

This invention provides a composition for the oral delivery of one or more substances comprising an effective amount of an orally administered beta-glucan and one or more chemotherapeutic agents.

In an embodiment, the glucan contains 1,3-1, 6 or 1,3-1,4 mixed linkages, or a mixture of 1,3-1,6 and 1,3-1,4 mixed linkages. In another embodiment, the glucan enhances the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents or anti-cancer antibodies.

In a further embodiment, the glucan is derived from grass, plants, mushroom, yeast, barley, fungi, wheat or seaweed. In a further embodiment, the glucan has high molecular weight. In a further embodiment, the molecular weight of the glucan is at least 6,000 Daltons.

In a further embodiment, the substance which can be delivered by glucan is a peptide, protein, RNA, DNA, plasmid, or chemotherapeutic agent. As used herein, chemotherapeutic agents include chemicals that combat disease in the body of an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human or medications used to treat various forms of cancer.

This invention provides a method for treating a subject with genetic disorder comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above-described glucan and a substance capable of correcting said genetic disorder, wherein the substance is incorporated into the glucan to allow delivery of the substance by oral route. The substance includes but is not limited to a peptide, protein, RNA, DNA, plasmid and other small molecule and compound.

This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of orally administered (1→3),(1→6) beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. Glucans derived from cell walls of yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cervisiae, may be used in the above-described compositions. Preferably, Glucans having β(1-3) and β(1-6) linkages such as SBG is used in the above-described compositions.

The above mentioned pharmaceutical compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and other ingredients known to enhance and facilitate drug administration.

Such a pharmaceutical composition may comprise the active ingredient alone, in a form suitable for administration to a subject, or the pharmaceutical composition may comprise the active ingredient and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, one or more additional ingredients, or some combination of these. The active ingredient may be present in the pharmaceutical composition in forms which are generally well known in the art.

The formulations of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be prepared by any method known or hereafter developed in the art of pharmacology. In general, such preparatory methods include the step of bringing the active ingredient into association with a carrier or one or more other accessory ingredients, and then, if necessary or desirable, shaping or packaging the product into a desired single- or multi-dose unit.

The relative amounts of the active ingredient, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and any additional ingredients in a pharmaceutical composition of the invention will vary, depending upon the identity, size, and condition of the subject treated.

In addition to the active ingredient, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention may further comprise one or more additional pharmaceutically active agents, including other anti-cancer agents. Controlled- or sustained-release formulations of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be made using conventional technology.

In an embodiment, the antibody is a monoclonal antibody, or an antibody against cancer or tumor cells, which include but are not limited to anti-CEA antibody, anti-CD20 antibodies, anti-CD25 antibodies, anti-CD22 antibodies, anti-HER2 antibodies, anti-tenascin antibodies, MoAb M195, Dacluzimab, anti-TAG-72 antibodies, R24, Herceptin, Rituximab, 528, IgG, IgM, IgA, C225, Epratuzumab, and MoAb 3F8. In another embodiment, the antibody is a tumor-binding antibody.

In another embodiment, the antibody is capable of activating complement and/or activating the antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In a further embodiment, the antibody modulates T-cell or B-cell function.

In a further embodiment, the antibody is directed at the epidermal growth factor receptor, a ganglioside, such as GD3 or GD2.

In a further embodiment, the antibodies are effective against cancers which include neuroblastoma, melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Epstein-Barr related lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, retinoblastoma, small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, epidermoid carcinoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, or other gastrointestinal cancers.

In a further embodiment, the above-described composition is in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This invention provides a method for treating a subject comprising administrating the above-described composition to a subject.

This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of orally administered (1→3),(1→6) beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of vaccines. In an embodiment, the vaccine is against cancer or infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of orally administered (1→3),(1→6) beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of natural antibodies or infectious agents.

This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of orally administered (1→3),(1→6) beta-glucan capable of enhancing host immunity.

This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of orally administered (1→3),(1→6) beta-glucan capable of enhancing the action of an agent in preventing tissue rejection. In an embodiment, the tissue is transplanted tissue or transplanted organ or the host as in graft-versus-host disease.

In an embodiment, the glucan of the above-described composition has high molecular weight. The molecular weight of glucan is at least 10,000 Daltons. In another embodiment, the glucan is derived from barley, oat, mushroom, seaweed, fungi, yeast, wheat or moss. In a further embodiment, the glucan is stable to heat treatment.

In a further embodiment, above-describe composition is stable after boiling for 3 hours. In an embodiment, the effective dose of the above-described composition is about >=25 mg/kg/day, five days a week for a total of 2-4 weeks.

This invention also provides kits for Inhibiting Cancer Cell Growth and/or Metastasis. The invention includes a kit or an administration device comprising a glucan as identified in the invention and an information material which describes administering the glucan or a composition comprising the glucan to a human. The kit or administration device may have a compartment containing the glucan or the composition of the present invention. As used herein, the “Information material” includes, but is not limited to, for instance a publication, a recording, a diagram, or any other medium of expression which can be used to communicate the usefulness of the composition of the invention for its designated use.

The above described invention relates to the administration of an identified compound in a pharmaceutical composition to practice the methods of the invention, the composition comprising the compound or an appropriate derivative or fragment of the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, additive or excipient.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the Experimental Details which follow, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific experiments detailed are only illustrative, and are not meant to limit the invention as described herein, which is defined by the claims which follow thereafter.

Exemplification

The invention being generally described, will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention.

Phase I Study of Barley β-Glucan in Combination with Anti-GD2 Antibody in Stage 4 Neuroblastoma

A total of 24 patients were studied. These patients are all children or adolescents with relapsed or refractory stage 4 neuroblastoma metastatic to bone, marrow or distant lymph nodes, some with large soft tissue masses. Beta-glucan was well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities. Anti-tumor responses were recorded for marrow disease (histology, MIBG scans), soft tissue tumors (CT), as well biochemical markers (urine VMA and HVA tumor markers). One example of tumor response is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B: ¹³¹I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scans showing near-complete resolution of extensive metastases after one treatment cycle of 3F8 plus beta-glucan. These responses are uncommon in patients with refractory or relapsed metastatic stage 4 NB treated with 3F8 alone or 3F8 in combination with cytokines. The best response rate for 3F8 to date was in a Phase II trial of combination 3F8 plus GMCSF where 7 of 33 (21%) children achieved MIBG improvement. In contrast, 62% (13 of 21) evaluable patients on 3F8+beta-glucan had MIBG improvement, a near tripling of the response rate (p=0.008 by χ²). In addition, among 15 patients with marrow disease, 5 achieved complete marrow remission (30%), and 8 with stable disease in the marrow. (See FIG. 1)

Synergism Between Soluble Beta-Glucan and Rituximab Against Lymphoma

Rituximab activates complement-mediated and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicities, and is effective against B-cell lymphomas. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring glucose polymers that bind to the lectin domain of CR3, a receptor widely expressed among leukocytes, priming it for binding to iC3b activated by antibodies. Barley-derived (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-glucan (BG), when administered orally (400 μg per day×29 days), strongly synergized with subtherapeutic doses of intravenous rituximab (200 μg twice/week×8 doses) in the therapy of CD20-positive human lymphomas. Growth of established subcutaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (Daudi and EBV-derived B-NHL) or Hodgkin's disease (Hs445 or RPMI6666) xenografted in SCID mice was significantly suppressed, when compared to mice treated with rituximab or BG alone. Survival of mice with disseminated lymphoma (Daudi and Hs445) was significantly increased. There was no weight loss or clinical toxicity in treated animals. The results demonstrate that the therapeutic efficacy and lack of toxicity of BG plus rituximab.

Study Design Cell Lines:

Human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, Daudi, and Hodgkin's disease (HD) cell lines Hs445 and RPMI 6666 were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.). Human EBV-BLCL were established using previously described methods (³⁷).

Mice:

Fox Chase ICR SCID mice (Taconic, White Plains, N.Y.) were maintained under institutionally approved guidelines and protocols.

Tumor Models:

Subcutaneous tumors were established by injecting 5×10⁶ cells suspended in 0.1 ml of Matrigel (Becton-Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J.) into mice flanks. Tumor dimensions were measured two to three times a week and tumor size was calculated as the product of the two largest diameters. Mice were sacrificed when maximum tumor dimension exceeded 20 mm. A disseminated tumor model was established in SCID mice as previously described (³⁸). Briefly, 5×10⁶ Daudi or Hs445 cells in 100 μl normal saline were injected intravenously into SCID mice. Tumors grew systemically and mice became paralyzed when tumor cells infiltrated the spinal cord, resulting in hind-leg paralysis. Mice were sacrificed at onset of paralysis or when animals lost 10% of their body weight.

Treatment Regimens:

For mice with subcutaneous tumors, therapy was initiated after tumors were established (7-8 mm diameter). For the disseminated tumor model, therapy was initiated ten days after injection of tumor cells. Groups of at least five mice per treatment regimen received either rituximab, BG, neither or both. 200 μg rituximab (Genentech, San Francisco, Calif.) was injected intravenously twice weekly for a total of eight injections and 400 μg BG (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) administered orally via intragastric gavage daily for 29 days. Animals were weighed weekly and observed clinically at least once daily.

Statistical Analysis:

Tumor growth was calculated by fitting a regression slope for each individual mouse to log transformed values of tumor size. Slopes were compared between groups using t-tests using a previously described method for censored observations (³⁹).

Survival in mice with disseminated disease was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis and proportion of deaths was compared by Fisher's exact χ² test. Analyses were conducted using STATA 7 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Tex.).

Results and Discussion

In all subcutaneous xenograft models, significant reduction in tumor growth was noted in mice treated with a combination of rituximab and BG. Mice treated with rituximab alone showed a modest reduction in tumor growth, while those treated with BG alone or left untreated had unabated tumor growth (FIG. 1A, 1B, 1C). All tumors except for those treated with combination therapy grew beyond 20 mm size and mice had to be sacrificed. Mice on combination treatment had persistent tumor suppression even after treatment was stopped. In a multivariable linear model of tumor growth rate, using dummy variables for treatment, the interaction between BG and rituximab was positive and significant, demonstrating synergism.

For disseminated xenografts, there was a significant difference in survival between the combination and control groups for both NHL and HD models (p<0.005, by log-rank) (FIG. 2). 5/38 mice and 2/8 mice with disseminated Daudi and Hs445 tumors respectively treated with combination BG and rituximab were surviving >12 months after therapy was discontinued suggesting complete eradication of disease. In contrast, 0/29 and 0/8 mice receiving rituximab alone in respective groups survived (15% vs. 0% survival; χ²=0.01). There was no significant weight loss or other clinically apparent adverse effects. That BG is absorbed can be inferred from the fact that it could be detected intracellularly within fixed and permeabilized peripheral blood leucocytes by immunofluorescence.

In these studies, synergism between BG and rituximab was highly significant irrespective of the type of CD20-positive lymphoma. Improved responses in Daudi xenografts as compared to Hs445 may be attributable to higher CD20 expression in the former (Mean geometric fluorescence channel for Daudi 241 compared to 184 for Hs445). When tumors that progressed were examined for CD20 expression by immunofluorescence studies of single cell suspensions or indirect immunohistochemistry of frozen sections, no significant difference was noted between groups treated with rituximab, BG alone or rituximab+BG, indicating that treatment with rituximab+BG was not associated with loss of CD20.

Synergism between other complement-activating monoclonal antibodies and BG (^(35,36)) were previously demonstrated. The current data extend this observation to rituximab. CDC is considered an important mechanism for rituximab cytotoxicity. Rodent complement is not inhibited efficiently by human complement regulatory proteins (mCRP). Therefore CDC can be an effective anti-tumor mechanism in xenograft models. However in a study, at sub-therapeutic doses of antibody, rituximab-mediated ADCC and CDC were not sufficient to effect tumor cell killing. Since BG has no direct effect on ADCC (⁴⁰), this synergy is most likely a result of iC3b-mediated tumor cytotoxicity. Lymphoma cells express mCRP including CD46, CD55, and CD59 (^(30,41)). However, iC3b-mediated cytotoxicity is unaffected by the presence of CD59 which affects only MAC-mediated complement cytotoxicity (⁴²). Furthermore, in human breast carcinoma tumors, deposition of iC3b has been demonstrated despite the presence of mCRP (⁴³) indicating that unlike their inhibitory effect on MAC, effect on iC3b-mediated tumor cytotoxicity is not absolute.

If this synergistic effect can be safely reproduced in humans, iC3b-mediated cytotoxicity may be a potential strategy to overcome rituximab resistance in patients with B-cell malignancies. Since neither T nor B cells are required for this synergistic effect, BG may have a potential role even in immunocompromised lymphoma patients. Furthermore, in patients with autoimmune disorders, B-cell depletion may be enhanced with this non-toxic oral therapy. Conversely, beta-glucans can enhance release of cytokines such as TNF-α(and IL-6 (⁴⁴), and because the acute toxicities of rituximab are also related to cytokine release secondary to complement activation (⁴⁵), there is a potential of increased toxicity when BG and rituximab are used in combination. Carefully designed phase I studies are necessary in order to define the safety and efficacy in developing BG as an adjunct to rituximab therapy in the treatment of B-cell disorders and in antibody-based therapies of other cancers.

Oral β-Glucan Synergizes with IgM Antibodies

Natural IgM antibody from human serum when administered i.v. was cytotoxic for human neuroblastoma (NB) cells effecting growth arrest of subcutaneous solid human NB xenografts in nude rats (^(46,47)). IgM was taken up by the tumors with massive perivascular complement activation and accumulation of granulocytes after 24 hours (⁴⁸). In metastatic NB model, IgM antibody was effective in eliminating tumors in 90% of the mice (⁴⁹). The absence of this anti-NB IgM antibody during infancy and among NB patients (of any age), and its prevalence after 12 months of age has raised the hypothesis that natural IgM antibodies could play a role as an immunological control mechanism against NB (⁵⁰). 3G6 is an anti-GD2 mouse IgM monoclonal antibody (MoAb). Within 48 hours after i.v. injection of biotinylated 3G6, subcutaneous NB xenografts showed membrane staining of tumor cells. Although 3G6 had lower mean fluorescence (53±19 fluorescent channel units, n=7 mice) when compared to 3F8, an IgG MoAb (149±44, n=7), 3G6 plus beta-glucan was effective against sc human NB (p<0.05), with a dose response curve (FIG. 4) comparable to that of 3F8 (³⁵). These findings were consistent with those using human natural anti-NB IgM (^(46,47)). These data demonstrates that oral beta-glucan enhances not just IgG inducing vaccines, but also IgM inducing vaccines.

Soluble (1→3),(1→6) B-Glucan is Effective in Enhancing Antibody Therapy of Cancer

LAN-1 tumor cells were planted (2×10⁶ cells) in 100 μl of Matrigel (Sigma) subcutaneously. Tumor dimensions were measured two to three times a week with vernier calipers, and tumor size was calculated as the product of the two largest perpendicular diameters. All treatment studies started in groups of 4-5 mice when tumor diameters reached 0.7 to 0.8 cm. Mice received antibody (3F8 or 3G6) treatment (200 ug per day) i.v. (by tail vein injection) twice weekly×5 doses and oral beta-glucan (400 ug per day) by intragastric injection every day for a total 14-18 days. See FIGS. 5 and 6.

In similar experiments a subcutaneous lymphoma model was studied. Here 5×10⁶ cells suspended in 0.1 ml of Matrigel (Becton-Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J.) were planted into mice flanks. Tumor dimensions were measured two to three times a week and tumor size was calculated as product of the two largest diameters. Mice were sacrificed when maximum tumor dimension exceeded 20 mm. 200 μg rituximab (Genentech, San Francisco, Calif.) was injected intravenously twice weekly for a total of eight injections and 400 μg glucan administered orally via intragastric gavage daily for 29 days. Mice were weighed weekly and observed clinically at least once daily.

These series of subcutaneous tumor models showed that soluble yeast (1→3),(1→6) beta-glucan is at least as potent as barley (1→3),(1→4) beta-glucan. In addition, the source and physical form of yeast glucan can make a substantial difference in its activity.

Metastatic lymphoma model was also studied. A model of disseminated tumors was established in SCID mice as previously described (³⁸). Briefly, 5×10⁶ Daudi cells in 100 μl normal saline were injected intravenously (i.v.) into SCID mice. Tumors grew systemically and mice became paralyzed when tumor cells infiltrated the spinal canal, resulting in hind-leg paralysis. Mice were sacrificed at onset of paralysis or when animals lost 10% of their body weight. Therapy was initiated ten days after injection of tumor cells. 40 μg rituximab (Genentech, San Francisco, Calif.) was injected intravenously twice weekly for a total of eight injections and 400 μg glucan administered orally via intragastric gavage daily for 29 days. Mice were weighed weekly and observed clinically at least once daily. See FIG. 7.

Again both barley glucan and yeast glucan showed significant effect when combined with Rituxan. Neither barely glucan nor yeast glucan has any effect on survival when used alone.

Mechanism by which Orally Administered β-Glucans Function with Anti-Tumor Monoclonal Antibodies to Mediate Tumor Regression (51)

Using syngeneic tumor (GD2+ RMA-S) in wild type (WT) C57Bl/6 mice versus either CR3-deficient (CD11b −/−) or C3-deficient (C3 −/−) C57Bl/6 mice, MoAb alone elicited no tumor regression, whereas combining the i.v. anti-GD2 MoAb with oral barley or yeast beta-glucan elicited significant regression in WT but not in CR3-deficient mice. Moreover, the combined treatment with i.v. MoAb and oral beta-glucans produced 60-100% tumor-free survivors in WT mice, but only 0-20% survival in the CR3-deficient mice. These experiments demonstrated a near absolute requirement for leukocyte CR3 for the anti-tumor effect, especially when oral barley beta-glucan was given with anti-tumor MoAb. A therapy protocol comparing WT to C3-deficient mice similarly showed that oral beta-glucan therapy required serum C3. When barley beta-glucan and yeast beta-glucan were labeled with fluorescein (BG-F and YG-F) and given to mice by intragastric injection, the trafficking of beta-glucan was followed. Within three days of daily oral administration of BG-F or YG-F, macrophages in the spleen and lymph nodes contained fluorescein-labeled beta-glucan. After 4 d, YG-F and BG-F were also observed in macrophages in bone marrow. When the uptake of YG-F and BG-F by WT versus CR3-deficient mice was compared, no differences were apparent in either the percentage of macrophages containing ingested beta-glucan-F or the amount of beta-glucan-F per cell. Thus, the uptake of barley and yeast beta-glucan by gastrointestinal macrophages does not require CR3 and is likely mediated instead by Dectin-1 (⁵²). Macrophages in vitro and in the marrow were able to degrade large molecules of barley or yeast beta-glucan into smaller biologically-active fragments of beta-glucan that are then released.

To determine if the soluble beta-glucan-F released by macrophages had indeed been taken up by bone marrow granulocytes, groups of WT or CR3-deficient mice that had been given YG-F or BG-F for 10 days were injected i.p. with thioglycolate medium to elicit the marginated pool of bone marrow granulocytes into the peritoneal cavity. Only WT granulocytes were able to pick up the YG-F and BG-F released from macrophages. These data suggest a sequential ingestion of beta-glucan by gastrointestinal macrophages that shuttle the beta-glucan to the bone marrow where soluble degradation fragments are released and taken up by granulocytes via membrane CR3. When peritoneal granulocytes were isolated from WT and CR3-deficient mice that had been given oral beta-glucan, only WT granulocytes were able to kill iC3b-coated tumor cells in vitro. These experiments show that bone marrow granulocytes and tissue macrophages acquire membrane CR3-bound soluble beta-glucan from gastrointestinal macrophages, and that this bound beta-glucan primes the CR3 of both granulocytes and macrophages so that when they are recruited to a site of inflammation they are able to kill iC3b-coated tumor cells.

Soluble β-Glucan as a Conduit for Plasmids

The major obstacles for the delivery of DNA, RNA and proteins orally are the acidic and proteolytic environment of the stomach, and limited uptake of proteins by the GALT. It is believed that M cells within the Peyer's patches and phagocytes are the predominant vehicles for uptake of microparticulates. However, nanoparticles may also access GALT via a paracellular mechanism (^(53,54)) and by transcytosis (35). In either case, particle uptake observed can be improved using particles with mucoadhesive properties or affinity for receptors on cells.

Many polymers have been used to fabricate nanoparticles are mucoadhesive. Among them are alginate, carrageenans, and pectin. Although these materials were often used as the core polymers in nanoparticulates, no specific receptor has been identified for these polymers and the efficiency of uptake remains suboptimal. Dectin-1 is now known to be a universal receptor for β-glucan, and is found in many human tissues including monocytes and phagocytes. The gelling properties of high molecular weight β-glucan allows RNA, DNA and proteins to be embedded. Since sugars are highly resistant to acid conditions and enzymes, proteins, RNA and DNA remain protected during their passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Through the high affinity Dectin-1 receptor for β-glucan, these substances can be introduced into the phagocytes as potential vehicles to the rest of the body.

The pEGP-C1 vector (See FIG. 8) was purchased from BD Biosciences (Palo Alto, Calif.) and prepared according to manufacturers' instructions. pEGFP-C1 encodes a red-shifted variant of wild-type GFP (1-3) which has been optimized for brighter fluorescence and higher expression in mammalian cells. (Excitation maximum=488 nm; emission maximum=507 nm.) The vector backbone also contains an SV40 origin for replication in mammalian cells only if they express the SV40 T-antigen. A bacterial promoter upstream of this cassette expresses kanamycin resistance in E. coli. The pEGFP-C1 backbone also provides a pUC origin of replication for propagation in E. coli and an f1 origin for single-stranded DNA production.

Mice were fed with 50 μg pEGFP-c1 plasmid mixed into 400 μg beta-glucan (˜200,000 Daltons) in 100 μl saline by oral gavage while control mice were given plasmid alone. Oral feeding was done for 3 consecutive days (days 1, 2 and 3). 50 μl blood taken from tail vein were analyzed by FCAS analysis after lysis of RBC and the % of GFP-expressing cells in the monocyte population were recorded. The mean ratio of % green cells in glucan versus no glucan groups (n=4-9 mice per group) is presented in FIG. 9. Throughout the 14 days of the experiment, % green monocytes in the no-glucan group remained stable at background levels. On the other hand, after day 1 of oral gavage, there was a consistent higher % of circulating green monocytes, which peaked around day 8. Since the GFP is not normally found in mouse monocytes, the presence of green cells is consistent with GFP protein expression following entry of the plasmid into the monocytes which circulate in the blood.

The experiment was repeated using barley β-glucan of higher molecular weight (˜350,000 Daltons) with better gelling properties. In FIG. 10, similar kinetics was seen, with a higher percent of green cells that persisted from day 8 through day 11 (n=4 mice per group).

Presence of GFP mRNA was tested using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis. Mice were fed with 50 μg pEGFP-c1 plasmid mixed into 400 μg high molecular weight (350,000 Daltons) beta-glucan in 100 μl saline by oral gavage while control mice were given plasmid alone. 50 μl peripheral blood was used to extract total RNA, reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time PCR was performed using a modification of the method previously described (⁵⁶). The house keeping gene mouse GAPDH is used as internal control. Transcript level is calculated using a known GFP and GAPDH standard. Transcript units are calculated separately for GFP and GAPDH and results as a ratio of GFP over GAPDH. In FIG. 11, the mean RNA level (GFP/GAPDH) is expressed as a ratio of glucan versus no glucan groups (n=4 mice per group). GFP mRNA was detected up to day 10.

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1-23. (canceled)
 24. A method for facilitating absorption of a DNA, RNA or plasmid in a subject, comprising orally administering an effective amount of a β-glucan and said DNA, RNA or plasmid, wherein expression of said DNA, RNA or plasmid after absorption is increased compared to oral administration in the absence of said β-glucan.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein expression of said DNA, RNA or plasmid is increased by up to about 6-fold in the presence of said β-glucan than in its absence.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein expression of said DNA, RNA or plasmid occurs in the monocytes of said subject.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein said glucan is derived from yeast.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein said β-glucan comprises β-1,3 bonds in the backbone and branches of β-1,3-linked glucose units, attached to the backbone via β-1,6 glycosidic bonds.
 29. The method of claim 24, wherein said glucan has an average molecular weight of about 15 to about 350 kD.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the subject is a human or animal.
 31. A method for increasing the expression of a DNA, RNA or plasmid in a subject, comprising orally administering said DNA, RNA or plasmid, and an amount of a β-glucan effective in increasing said expression.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein said expression of DNA, RNA or plasmid is increased by up to about 6-fold in the presence of said β-glucan than in its absence.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein said expression of DNA, RNA or plasmid occurs in the monocytes of said subject.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein said glucan is derived from yeast.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein said β-glucan comprises β-1,3 bonds in the backbone and branches of β-1,3-linked glucose units, attached to the backbone via β-1,6 glycosidic bonds.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein said glucan has an average molecular weight of about 15 to about 350 kD.
 37. The method of claim 31, wherein the subject is a human or animal.
 38. A method for increasing the expression of a DNA, RNA or plasmid in a cell, comprising contacting said cell with said DNA, RNA or plasmid, and an amount of a β-glucan effective in increasing said expression.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein said cell is a monocyte.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein said glucan is derived from yeast.
 41. A method for delivering a DNA, RNA or plasmid into cells, comprising administering to said cells a composition comprising said DNA, RNA or plasmid, and an effective amount of a β-glucan.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein said cells are monocytes.
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein said glucan is derived from yeast. 